A Wish Come True

Fifteen Special Olympics Florida athletes and Unified partners are now in Germany for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

The athletes spent their first few days in Bremen and Bremerhaven, which are serving as the host towns for the Special Olympics USA delegation.

Our athletes – and their teammates from the U.S. -- have toured the old towns, enjoyed some incredible German food, and had a chance to begin practicing. The World Games open in Berlin on June 17 and run through June 25. 

More than 200 individuals representing 46 Special Olympics U.S. Programs form the Special Olympics USA delegation. The 15 athletes and Unified partners from Florida are competing in cycling, tennis, open water swim and basketball. 

Traveling with the group is Shelley Henry, Special Olympics Florida’s Director of Competition and Statewide Sports Programs. Shelley said during the tour of Bremen, athletes were invited to make a wish at a famous statue in the town’s historic center. One of our athletes said that was unnecessary. 

“She said, ‘I don’t need to make a wish because my wish has already come true. I’m here in Germany with all my teammates.’” 

You can watch a video of the athletes in Bremen here. And here are some photos of our Special Olympics Florida athletes.